The Crown Villas are the most luxurious accommodation option at the massive Lifestyle Holidays complex. They come with either three or four bedrooms, a bathroom for every bedroom, a large kitchen, a sunny terrace, and a private pool. Property features here are plentiful, but reaching some (including the beach, depending on the location of your villa) can take up to a half hour of walking. For this reason, the hotel offers golf cart rentals. Renovated villas are extremely stylish and sleek; those staying in villas that have not yet been renovated may feel short-changed. Nonetheless, the Crown Villas are a solid choice for groups and those seeking tranquility and privacy.

Part of the massive Lifestyle Holidays complex, this smaller, tranquil property attracts families and couples with its pristine pools and spacious suites. With the beach nearly a 20-minute walk from some rooms, and amenities spread throughout the sister properties, the sprawling nature of the upscale complex can be a pain, but it allows for tons of activities and a relaxed, uncrowded vacation.

It's one of the most stylish, most luxurious hotels in the Dominican Republic -- but it's surrounded by 14 crowded, all-inclusive mega-resorts in the gated Playa Dorada complex. Rooms are gorgeous -- chic décor, private outdoor tubs, and four-post beds -- but at the beach, the rooftop pool, and on the balconies, guests suffer through their neighbors' poolside megaphones and karaoke nights.

This mid-range all-inclusive attracts all kinds of travelers with its inexpensive rates. While it does not include the usual in-room Wi-Fi and non-motorized watersports that come standard at most all-inclusive resorts in the area, the Riu Bachata does feature a kids’ club, fun daily and nightly entertainment, and two pools, one with a lively swim-up bar. The large beach here is the main draw; the main drawback would likely be the bland rooms -- or the bland food.

Part of the sprawling Lifestyle Holidays complex, the Cofresi Palm Beach is a lovely, upper-middle-range property with a gorgeous white-sand beach, five pools, a tranquil spa, and a long list of on-site activities that appeal to both families and couples. Updated rooms feature sleek decor and spacious marble bathrooms; yet-to-be-updated rooms are bland, and show some wear and tear. Nonetheless, this hotel is a great option for those seeking a laid-back beach getaway.

Located inside the Playa Dorada resort complex, a safe, mini-tourist city, the Gran Vantana is a relaxed, uncommonly friendly resort with clean rooms, excellent service, and a large though slightly crowded beach. Features like free bikes, a zero-entry pool, a kids’ club, and animated movie screenings make it great for families.

While about half the resort's rooms are a bit out-of-date, the other half opened in late 2008. These rooms include marble, Jacuzzi-equipped bathrooms. An enormous pool, a nice spa, name-brand liquor, and a few reservation-free restaurants are other perks, but the beach can feel a bit crowded and the buffet and entertainment are mediocre. Still, for Puerto Plata, it's a great value.

With plenty of on-site activities, above-average all-inclusive food, and extremely reasonable rates, the Bahia Principe offers a good value for budget-conscious travelers. Rooms are bland, there’s no free Wi-Fi, and the remote location takes an hour to reach from the airport; most guests, however, feel that the large, private beach, the four pools, and the unlimited bottom-shelf liquor make overlooking the negatives easy enough.

For a massive, hyperindulgent all-inclusive mega-resort, the Iberostar Costa Dorada is the best in Puerto Plata -- great buffets, activities, entertainment, liquor, and service. Sure, the giant pool can get a little chilly. But to the many guests who come back every year, those are just petty details.